How To Think More Positively

Training your mind how to think more positively can do wonders to ease stress and tension. The mind is a powerful mechanism, capable of highs, lows, and often a persistent loop of thoughts throughout the day. When your mind gets caught up in a negative thought pattern, it can be tough to shake out of it. While these thoughts can have their place, being negative all the time will take its toll on you and those around you. 

 

“If we really want to be a healthier human, it means widening our capacity to hold a multitude of emotions at once, because only then can we feel peace. Because positivity isn't bypassing the human experience. It's simply embracing it to move through it,” explained Christine Gutiérrez, a licensed mental health counselor and author of I Am Diosa, a book to inspire and guide women with holistic methods to embrace self-love and self-care. Gutiérrez herself embodies positivity and light, and thrives in teaching people to tap into their best selves. Read on for her top tips on how to be a more positive person and learn how the power of mindset can change your life. 

 

The only constant in life is change, and everyone encounters situations that can make them feel unhappy or negative. An important part of training yourself to think more positively is to practice embracing the ebb and flow of emotion and adapting a resilient mindset to feel the feelings without getting stuck in the mud. Gutiérrez says a way to channel resiliency is through finding support, whether it’s by learning meditation, breathwork, or seeing a licensed therapist.

 

Gutiérrez encourages people to find a daily north star, “something that excites you and that you can look forward to,” she said. This can be small, like grabbing your favorite coffee in the morning, going for a walk, reading a chapter of a great book or catching up with a friend. Or it could be a bigger north star, like planning a weekend getaway or a home décor project you’ve been longing to do.

 

 

Energy is held within the body, both positive and negative. If you’re in a funk, Gutiérrez encourages you to get primal and shift your physical vibration through working out, dancing, or just purely shaking it out for two minutes. This cathartic release of endorphins is a fun and helpful action to shift your energy to a positive space.

 

“Gratitude is imperative in every single way—it allows us to shift the frequency from a place of lack to a place of abundance,” said Gutiérrez. “For me, it's a way to give thanks from the smallest things to the biggest things.” Practicing gratitude can be as simple as closing your eyes for a moment to think through your day and reflect on a moment you were grateful for. Or you can use a journal to write down three things you’re grateful for every morning when you wake up. This method helps to train your mind to look for the good, and you might notice yourself feeling more positive throughout your days.

 

If positivity is something you want to bring more of into your life, a great way is through creating a ritual of manifestation to open yourself up to it. Learning how to manifest is an art—Gutiérrez says this could be dedicating a sacred space in your home that you go to meditate. It could also be making a vision board with the positive aspects you want for your future, or it could be speaking positive affirmations to yourself in the mirror. One of Gutiérrez’s favorites to repeat is “I am held, I am worthy, I am loved.” 

 

 

Looking at other people’s highlight reels (that often are not reflective of reality) can take a toll on anyone’s mental strength. Try taking a break from the apps for a day, week or even a month and see if you notice a difference in your mental clarity. 

 

If you tend to put yourself down or make self-deprecating jokes, try to find things about yourself that you’re grateful for and that you love. Self-compassion and love are a big part of having a positive outlook, so engage in some self-care and speak of yourself kindly. Every day in the mirror, compliment yourself for something you’re proud of, like doing well in a presentation or reaching your daily water intake goal.

 

Being around people who speak negatively can be extremely draining, and it’s easy to get caught up in the same pessimistic habits as them. Find people who tend to be more positive towards situations, and who can provide helpful support and encouragement when you need it.

 

“Everything in my life is a result of doing this work,” Gutiérrez said joyfully. “I believe that we can become alchemists of our own lives and that with the right support, we can create change.” Whatever circumstances life deals us, it’s within ourselves that we choose how to react. Pursuing positivity is a daily practice—just like going to the gym, it’s about training those mental muscles to be more flexible. “For some people it's easier to access positivity and for some people it's harder and that's okay too,” said Gutiérrez, but no matter what, “when we think positive, it gives a sense of empowerment and ownership over our life.”

 

Illustrations by Clémence Gouy